The Issue: How politicians in the state steer taxpayer funds to favored nonprofit and other groups.

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When are the voters of New York state going to realize that corruption, criminal acts and ethical violations should not be part of our elected officials’ resumés (“NY’s Profitable ‘Nonprofits,’” Editorial, Feb. 3)?

Led by Rep. Charlie Rangel and members of the state Assembly and Senate, this unacceptable behavior costs the taxpayers tens of millions of dollars every year.

Voters have a responsibility to support candidates who will represent the taxpayers’ best interests. Candidates who do not should be removed from office immediately.

Shame on them and shame on voters who keep re-electing them.

Don Kasprzak

Mayor

Plattsburgh

Too many members view the funding of member-item pork-barrel projects as a path to grease the wheels of reelection or run for higher public office.

Like a monkey on their back, they appear to be addicted to this spending.

The quid pro quo between those seeking funding and members of the City Council, state Legislature and Congress is common knowledge.

This can include campaign contributions from the recipient’s senior management, and hiring of the public official’s family, friends or colleagues.

Don’t shed a tear for leaders of nonprofit institutions when they protest potential budget cuts by the city, state or federal governments.